The Palheiro gardens are situated at about 500 meters above sea level. The original owner, the Conde de Carvalhal, planted many trees on the estate and laid the foundation to the Camellia collection; some of his early plantings can still be seen today. Since 1885 when the Quinta passed into the hands of the Blandy family, successive generations have given much work and devotion to the gardens.
The garden is a Mecca for Camellia lovers, the main flowering season being from November to April. Visitors may be surprised to see trees such as Oak, Beech, Chestnut and Cedar growing alongside Eucalyptus and Araucaria pines, but such is the diversity of this unique garden. Special mention must also be given to the various members of the Proteaceae family that do well here as they are generally considered difficult to grow outside their native lands. Outstanding are the Silver trees (Leucodendron argenteum) and the Waratah (Telopia speciosissima).
